Tideswell is a large rambling village surrounded by typical White Peak countryside, situated 6 miles east of Buxton, at an altitude of over 1000ft. This ancient village is packed with fascinating houses and cottages, all of individual design which ooze character and charm. Many properties date back to the 17th century with the oldest property in the village, Markey Gate cottage, believed to have parts which date back to the 14th century. Many surround the beautiful church dedicated to St John the Baptist, which is known as the ’Cathedral of the Peak’ and whose commanding presence dominates the local landscape.
When the Romans arrived in Tideswell almost two thousand years ago in 60AD they would have found a small settlement of Ancient Britons living in mud and wooden huts along the banks of a swift flowing stream. Today the same stream runs through a culvert beneath the streets of a thriving, award winning rural community which won the coveted East Midlands in Bloom competition three times within five years during the 1990’s.
With a rich history contained within this market village it can now also boast it's own cookery school, a renowned Male Voice Choir, a theatre group, good eateries and public houses, as well as stunning surrounding scenery and some excellent walking and cycling routes
Tideswell Dale that leads down to Litton Mill and Millers Dale is a Derbyshire Wildlife Nature Reserve, noted for some beautiful rare flowers, making Tideswell an ideal base for walking and nature study. The Monsal trail can be picked up in Millers Dale, and this provides easy walking and cycling access all the way to Buxton, via Bakewell.
The village is well known for its annual Well Dressing ceremony which starts on the Saturday nearest to 24th June, this being St John the Baptist day, and continues for a week with carnivals, parades and fun for the whole family. The village comes alive on on Carnival day, with a long and varied procession of invidiuals and floats all trying to outdo their neighbours for colour and individual comedic flair. It is always well worth visiting any Peak District village during Wakes week, but Carnival day is always and extra treat, when locals and visitors mingle to enjoy summer festivities in the best of settings!
Tideswell attracts many visitors throughout the year though especially in the summer months when the village is adorned with hanging baskets and the neatly manicured gardens offer a riot of colour. This is a true village with a healthy and happy community spirit, where residents are proud to support their individual shops, small businesses, social clubs and local pubs though it has been noted that Tideswell may have an identity crisis with claims that it is too small for a town and too big for a village The War Memorial at the end of Church Street honours ‘the men of this town’ who perished in both World Wars but to the majority of it’s 2000, or so, residents it prefer to describe itself as a village.
If you'd like to come and stay up here in Tideswell then why not think about renting one of the many peak district cottages there are on offer?
